Tragedy in Kogi: Six Dead, Five Injured in Okengwe Hill Multiple Auto Crash

By Amanabo Ocholi | Lokoja, Kogi State

A tragic road accident on Monday night claimed the lives of six individuals and left five others critically injured in Okengwe, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State. The multiple vehicle crash occurred around 8:30 PM at Old Zango Junction in the Okunchi community, when a heavy-duty articulated truck lost control while ascending the Okengwe hill.

According to a statement by the Acting Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Samuel Ogundayo, seven vehicles were involved in the crash, including two tricycles, three cars, and another truck that was rammed by the out-of-control vehicle.

“It was a tragic and very unfortunate incident. The articulated vehicle lost control on the hill, leading to a chain reaction of collisions,” Ogundayo confirmed while briefing newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday.

Emergency Response and Casualty Update

FRSC officials, in collaboration with other emergency responders, quickly mobilized to the scene to carry out rescue operations. The five injured victims were promptly taken to the Referral Hospital, Okene, for emergency medical care, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Onene General Hospital Mortuary.

“Our rescue team responded swiftly to minimize casualties. We also had to coordinate with other security agencies to clear the heavy gridlock and restore the free flow of traffic,” Ogundayo added.

Safety Advisory from FRSC

The FRSC has advised motorists, especially those driving through hilly terrains like Okengwe, to maintain a safe distance from heavy-duty vehicles and always ensure vehicle maintenance checks before embarking on long-distance travel.

“Break failure and reckless overtaking remain major causes of such deadly road crashes. Motorists must obey traffic rules and be vigilant at all times,” he emphasized.

The FRSC Commander reiterated the importance of road safety awareness, especially along major routes like Lokoja–Okene–Auchi Road, notorious for high traffic volumes and fatal accidents.